The Varsity Blues are set to take on their cross-town rival, York Lions, in the 41st annual Red & Blue Bowl on September 18. Varsity Centre will also play host to the football team’s annual Shriners game - All this and much more, starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday!

Since their first meeting in 1970, the Varsity Blues hold the upper hand over the Lions with a 24-16-0 head-to-head record. U of T has won the past two Argo Cups, a 45-27 victory last year and 58-7 drubbing in 2008.

Previous to that, York narrowly won 21-20 in 2007 which capped a 13-game winning streak in the series.
Despite going 0-3 to start the season, the Blues have seen vast improvement all over the field. Toronto currently leads the CIS with five punt blocks as linebackers Chris Johnson (Toronto) and Todd Inkila of Thunder Bay, Ont., have two apiece.

U of T’s defence has grown by leaps and bounds, holding Guelph, Windsor and Laurier to a combined 78 points against, compared to 119 in 2009. Third-year linebacker Wilkerson DeSouza (Mississauga, Ont.) is ranked third in the OUA with 21 tackles in three games.

“Saturday will be a good test for us,” said head coach Greg DeLaval. “Our boys are hungry. If we play a full 60 minutes and execute our game plan, I am confident that we will have a positive outcome.”

The Lions, who are also looking for their first win this season, are coming off a tough 45-3 loss to the No. 2 Ottawa Gee-Gees. Quarterback Nick Coutu of St. Catharines, Ont., leads the team in both passing (250) and rushing (137) yards, while third-year corner back Andre Clarke (Mississauga, Ont.) has a team-high 15 tackles in two games played this season.

Tickets for U of T home games are $10 for adults, $5 for youth and non-U of T students, U of T students and children 12 and under are free. Advance sales are available through www.ticketbreak.com or by calling 1.866.9.GET TIX (943-8849).

For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite U of T athletes and teams, please visit www.varsityblues.ca. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter or Facebook for the latest and greatest in Varsity Blues intercollegiate athletics.